Sajjan Kumar death: Commissions, committees that probed the 1984 anti-Sikh riots

Sajjan Kumar, a three-time member of the Lok Sabha and a former influential leader of the Delhi Congress, passed away on August 20, 2026, at the age of 81. Once a powerful figure in the Congress party, Kumar's political career was marked by a conviction in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases. He served a life sentence in Tihar Jail and was recently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated.

Kumar had been in custody since December 2018, following his surrender after the Delhi High Court overturned his acquittal in a case related to the killing of five Sikh family members and the burning of a gurdwara. His death has left the Congress party in a political quandary, particularly as they approach the Punjab Assembly election.

The Congress has maintained a silent approach to Kumar's passing, with no immediate condolences from its leadership. The muted response reflects the sensitivity surrounding Kumar's name, especially in Punjab, where the memory of the 1984 violence remains deeply emotional. Kumar's conviction came after years of legal battles, which began with his association with Sanjay Gandhi's political network during the 1984 riots.

Initially, the Congress denied him a ticket for the 2009 Lok Sabha election due to allegations from the 1984 violence. The violence, which erupted after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, led to widespread killings, with Delhi witnessing the highest casualties. Kumar was accused of leading and inciting mobs during the riots.

Despite a trial court acquitting him in 2013, the Delhi High Court overturned the decision in December 2018, convicting him of criminal conspiracy, abetment, and other offenses. He resigned from the Congress shortly after the verdict and surrendered to authorities. Kumar's legal troubles continued, with a second conviction in February 2025 for the killing of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh, who were burned alive during the violence in Saraswati Vihar.

The prosecution had sought the death penalty, but the court sentenced him to life imprisonment due to his age and health condition. In January 2026, Kumar was acquitted in a separate case related to alleged violence in Janakpuri and Vikaspuri. However, his incarceration persisted due to other life sentences. The conviction of Kumar marks the end of criminal proceedings against him, but the political discourse surrounding the 1984 riots and the accountability of political leaders accused of involvement continues. Kumar is survived by his family, and details of his last rites remain undisclosed.